Sean Kugler named UTEP football coach

Sean Kugler is returning home to become the head football coach at UTEP.

Kugler, currently the offensive line coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, played for the Miners from 1985-88 and was an assistant coach from 1993-2000. He'll replace Mike Price, who announced his retirement in November.

"I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to be the next head coach at UTEP," said Kugler in a statement through the school on Monday. "I'm hoping to build on the tremendous job that was done by coach Price and his staff. I have been the Miners' biggest supporter from afar, and the job coach Price and his staff did was outstanding. I can't wait to work with the players in the near future. I spent 13 years as a player and coach at UTEP and loved every minute of it. I'm excited about starting a new chapter in my coaching career at a place that has so many fond memories."

Kugler is in his third season with the Steelers and has also been an NFL assistant with Buffalo (2007-09) and Detroit (2001-05).

In addition to his tenure with UTEP, the 46-year-old Kugler was also a collegiate assistant at Boise State in 2006.

"We're so pleased to get Sean back at UTEP," said UTEP athletic director Bob Stull. "I've known him since he was a player here, including as a member of our 10-win team in 1988. He has gone on to become a terrific coach, from working with our WAC championship squad in 2000 to being a part of the Boise State team that was undefeated in 2006 and coaching in the Super Bowl with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He brings a lot of enthusiasm and experience and, most importantly, has a great love for UTEP and the city of El Paso."

Kugler will take over a UTEP squad that finished 3-9 in 2012.